Guy Cochrane, Executive Director, Global Biodata Coalition (GBC)
The publication by the GBC of its White Paper entitled “Working Cooperatively for Global Biodata Resource Sustainability”, marks a pivotal moment for the community of life science biodata funders, policy makers and resource providers. This comprehensive White Paper, developed in partnership with GBC members and shaped by input and feedback from biodata resources and other stakeholders lays out a roadmap to address one of the most pressing challenges in the life sciences: the sustainability of critical biodata resources.
Biodata resources are the backbone of modern life sciences and biomedical research. They enable groundbreaking discoveries, drive innovation, and support the FAIR principles – ensuring data are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. Yet, these vital resources face mounting pressures. Fragmented, short-term funding jeopardises their ability to serve global research communities effectively and equitably. The escalating demands of data-intensive science and AI-ready datasets add further complexity to this challenge.
The White Paper presents a framework to tackle these issues through cooperative global action. It recommends adopting foundational principles to guide sustainability efforts, developing innovative funding mechanisms, and fostering coordination among funders to secure the future of biodata infrastructure. Importantly, in addition, it will guide the GBC in the role it will play in achieving greater sustainability for biodata resources. A key focus of our work is the Global Core Biodata Resources (GCBRs) programme—52 resources identified as fundamental to global research. These resources exemplify the immense value of biodata infrastructure, but they also highlight the vulnerabilities inherent in current funding models. To address this, we must explore diverse approaches, including pooled funding, distributed service models, and public-private partnerships.
The challenge of biodata sustainability transcends national and disciplinary boundaries. It requires global commitment and innovation. As the first coalition of its kind, GBC is uniquely positioned to lead this charge, but success depends on the collective efforts of funders, researchers, policymakers, and the broader scientific community.
We invite you to engage with this White Paper and join the conversation, either here on LinkedIn or via email to and collaborate on solutions that ensure the sustainability of biodata resources for the benefit of science and society worldwide. Together, we can turn this vision into reality.